Binding and Text-Block for the Mantiq al-Tayr (Language of the Birds)

Farid al-Din `Attar

ca. 1600 · Binding: Leather, gold, and color; carved, impressed, and gilded Text-block: Ink, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper · Islamic Art

This is an elaborate example of the most common type of Safavid binding. Based on the Timurid-style binding, it contains a central medallion, quadrants, and a border of panels. The field pattern was created by stamping a mold on the surface of the cover made of leather and paper; first the upper half of the binding was stamped and then the mold was reversed to stamp on the lower half. The border pattern was also created by stamping. The doublures are decorated with delicate leather filigree work dividing compartments with orange, brown, blue, and green ground.

Artist

Farid al-Din `Attar

Date

ca. 1600

Medium

Binding: Leather, gold, and color; carved, impressed, and gilded Text-block: Ink, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1963